Networking

The purpose of the Student Alumni Association Networking VP is to increase student opportunities for success by providing resources for students to connect one-on-one with alumni, become better learners, and discover new career possibilities that parallel their passions.

Shane Jonson
VP of Networking

Welcome! Some of you may be scared by the word “N-E-T-W-O-R-K-I-N-G” and what it may entail… What if I told you that you network everyday? It’s true! I guarantee that you have at least one friend, possibly a job with co-workers, or you take classes and chat with the person
next to you and, most likely, consistently add friends to your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram profiles.

That, my friends, is networking! A network is where individuals share information and bring value to a group or friendship—whether that be a car, idea, business plan or anything else we feel important. Networking is building relationships that matter! While social media friendships
may ebb and flow, your professional and personal networks are designed to take you places and remain permanent. These type of person-to-person networks can grow exponentially and provide the foundation for success.

The Student Alumni Association is here for you! Our goal is to provide you the resources, free of charge, to enhance your networking toolbox; while providing the opportunities for you to meet distinguished Alumni and professionals who will assist you on your journey.

Networking is the simple relationships among people. When we network we get to know people while allowing others to see who we are and what we have to offer. One needs to learn how to sell themselves, their abilities, and their crucial role in a group to reach their potential. Thus, allowing you to obtain the greatest success possible in our society today.

According to the US Labor Bureau over 85% of jobs are found through networking. Note the breakdown of job hires as recorded by the US Labor Bureau:

Networking is becoming increasingly crucial to acquire a career or job. The well-known phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is out of date. Professionals hiring in the work field have now adopted a new, more useful one, “It’s not who you know, It’s WHO KNOWS YOU!”

Networking is not only crucial for those entering the work force, it has benefits for everyone.Developing mentorships and friendships is KEY in your ability to reach your goals and dreams. It is to your advantage to begin networking now! There is never a time that is “too early” to begin networking.

As a student at Utah State University, the Student Alumni Association is here to help ensure that opportunities for students are provided in many ways! We offer a variety of networking events that are listed below. All of these events are free of charge for students to guarantee that Aggie’s connect with those who can give insight, experience, and opportunity.

Networking Nights

These are nights where we educate students about networking. We invite distinguished alumniand successful professionals to present on topics that relate to effective networking. These events will help you expand your networking toolbox and be given all that the information that one needs to become a successful networker.

**See the calendar below to get the dates and times of all Networking Nights.

Alumnights:

These evenings are designed to provide a smaller, intimate networking experience for each student and alumni. These meetings are held in the home of an alum, in an effort to make the setting more informal and comfortable.

Bios and information about each alumnus will be given to those interested guaranteeing that you may attend the most beneficial Alumnight for you! We will provide a variety of alums, from different career paths, goals, and successes to ensure that students are meeting those who will help them most. Your willingness to ask for advice, or tips, will enhance your experience and
assist you on your path to success—who knows, you may even get a job or mentor out of it…

Each Alumnight will last about an hour or as long as those attending would like to visit.Transportation for students, to and from the events, is provided along with the Aggie ice cream or dinner, (depending) with each Alum.

**See the calendar below to get the dates and times of all Alumnights.

College Networking Nights

The Student Alumni Association works closely with each of USU’s college senators and their respective councils to plan networking events SPECIFIC for each college. These College Networking Nights give students the opportunity to interact with faculty, peers and alumni who hail from their same college. Each college on campus, and the student’s therein, are very different. With this consideration, each College Networking Night will be customized to ensure that every college is participating in a meaningful evening suited for their unique students.

Partner’s in Business

The Student Alumni Association is a co-sponsor of USU’s Partners in Business (PIB). These events are open and free to all students. Each event focuses on various aspects relevant to theworkplace and success therein. We encourage all students to attend.